Starlighters to present 'The Odd Couple'

     Starlighters II Theatre will present the first production of its 2017 season, “The Odd Couple,” on April 21-23 and 28-30.

     The comedy, with some drama, is directed by Basilio Light. This is Light’s second time in the director’s chair.

     The cast for “The Odd Couple” includes:

     • Collin McDonnell as Oscar Madison

     • Kevin Sims as Felix Unger

     • Darby Washington as Murray

     • Terry Tesar as Roy

     • Gerald Morrison as Speed

     • Gary Barnett as Vinny

     • Denise Whitmore as Gwendolyn

     • Alyssa Kemp-Priest as Cecily

     This isn’t the first time “The Odd Couple” has appeared on the Starlighters’ stage. It was first done in 1977. In fact, past characters are asked to attend the Sunday, April 23 performance as a reunion or sorts.

     Light said the main emphasis of the production is much like the 1970s TV show starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman as the two main characters.

     “There’s a conflict between Oscar and Felix,” Light said, as the two roommates.

     The play, written by Neil Simon, actually came out first on Broadway in 1965. This spawned a movie in 1968 starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau; then the hit TV show, followed by the newest TV version in 2015 starring Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon. Such an iconic production for sure.

     For the Starlighters’ version, Light said he is sticking to exactly how Simon wrote the play.

     “I’ve actually never seen the TV show version,” he admitted. “But I read the script and it took me a while before I got the vision.”

     Aside from the two main characters, the production also introduces the audience to Oscar and Felix’s poker buddies, as well as two gals in the apartment building who take a liking to Felix.

     “Every one of the characters has his/her own little quirks,” said Light, “that make them stand out (on stage).”

     During the auditions, Light said he was pleasantly surprised by the turnout he received of those interested in trying out. With eight parts to fill, he was looking at people’s personalities that fit the characters.

     “Eight (parts) is typical for a Starlighters’ play,” he explained. “The majority of the play is just the two main characters.”

     Light said he wanted to see the chemistry between the two main actors, which was quite evident during rehearsals last week.

     “I wanted to see how they got along with each other,” he said.

     He also wanted actors who were outgoing, friendly, and had good improvisational skills.

     The play takes place on one set, Oscar’s apartment. It spans three weeks, which Light said could be seen by the number of weekly poker games the guys play (three, once a week).

     When rehearsals began, Light said the cast was laughing so much it was hard to stay on task, a nod to the humor within the script.

     “It’s a timeless classic,” Light said. “Who doesn’t love to laugh?”

     Despite the fact that the play was written in the ‘60s, Light said it is still relatable today in 2017.

     “If you’ve ever had a roommate, you’ll understand the message,” he said. “It portrays friendship and comradery.”

     Light started working with Starlighters about six years ago when he auditioned for “Only Drunks Children Tell the Truth.”

     “I just kept coming back ever since,” he said.

     Last year, Light directed “Death Trap,” his first time as director.

     “I wanted to be a part of the play, and the committee asked me if I wanted to direct,” he said.

     For “The Odd Couple,” Light said he was approached again to direct.

     He’s sought the help of seasoned Starlighters’ directors such as Bob Furino and Jan Cratsenberg for assistance.

     “They’ve been really helpful, guiding me on what to look for and giving me pointers,” Light said.

     Light said he enjoys being behind the scenes.

     “I’m interested to see how this all works out,” he said.

     However, he said he prefers to be on the stage more than anything.

     For more information, visit http://starlighters.org/ or call 319-462-4793.